When you talk or think about ....
abstract
1 abstract
An abstract idea or way of thinking is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events.
...starting with a few abstract principles...
It's not a question of some abstract concept of justice.
...the faculty of abstract reasoning.
ADJ-GRADED
= theoretical
?abstractly
It is hard to think abstractly in these conditions.
ADV-GRADED
2 abstract
When you talk or think about something in the abstract, you talk or think about it in a general way, rather than considering particular things or events.
Money was a commodity she never thought about except in the abstract.
PHR: PHR with cl/group
3 abstract
In grammar, an abstract noun refers to a quality or idea rather than to a physical object.
...abstract words such as glory, honor, and courage.
ADJ: ADJ n
* concrete
4 abstract
Abstract art makes use of shapes and patterns rather than showing people or things.
A modern abstract painting takes over one complete wall.
ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n
* figurative
5 abstract abstracts
An abstract is an abstract work of art.
N-COUNT
6 abstract abstracts
An abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it.
N-COUNT: oft N of n
= summary
7 abstract abstracts abstracting abstracted
If you abstract something from a place, you take it from there. (FORMAL)
...a licence to abstract water from the River Axe...
The author has abstracted poems from earlier books.
VB
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